Cars of the future
April 24, 2018

Transportation Engineering: From Neighborhood Greenways to Driverless Interstates

Event Details

Date & Time

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2018 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Department

Greater Gonzaga Guild

Cost

$20

Location

McCarthey Athletic Center Herak Clubroom

Contact/Registration

Reservations required by 12 p.m. Friday, April 20. Call Katie McFarland at (509) 443-7228 to make a reservation.

 

Event Type & Tags

  • Academics

About This Event

Rhonda Kae Young, Ph.D., Gonzaga University professor of civil engineering
Rhonda Kae Young, Ph.D., Gonzaga University professor of civil engineering, presents "Transportation Engineering: From Neighborhood Greenways to Driverless Interstates" at the Greater Gonzaga Guild's Annual Luncheon.Young will discuss her research in preparing roadways for autonomous and connected vehicles. Professor Young leads Gonzaga's team in a seven-university collaboration with a $14 million, five-year U.S. Department of Transportation grant. Under her leadership, students explore the benefits of "connected" vehicles that monitor roadways and share information via short-range frequency. The future of connected vehicles (driverless or human-controlled) can alleviate traffic congestion, generate safety messages, signal poor road and weather conditions, and enhance trip planning.

Young worked for a decade as a consultant in the transportation industry. After completing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering at Oregon State University, she earned a Ph.D. and a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington. Young has taught in Gonzaga's School of Engineering and Applied Science since 2015. 

The $20 luncheon fee includes a wine social beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch and lecture from noon to 1 p.m. 

Reservations Required: By noon Friday, April 20 to Katie McFarland at (509) 443-7228. 

The Greater Gonzaga Guild is dedicated to raising awareness of Gonzaga's scholarly and cultural contributions to the region. The Guild, which sponsors six public lectures each year, is open to all people interested in learning.

For more information, please contact Mary Joan Hahn, Gonzaga director of public and community relations, at (509) 313-6095.